Rishies left frustrated as victory chance slips away

Published:20:30Sunday 15 November 2015

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Old Rishworthians slipped to a frustrating 17-10 defeat at Ripon in Yorkshire Two.

Rishies travelled to Mallorie Park without player-coach Chris Stone, who was in Russia, and Andy Shickell who injured his shoulder against Sheffield Medicals, but Taniela Bakoso returned after spending the summer playing rugby league.

Rishworthians forwards were immediately on top, winning an early penalty, but Aaron Canning’s kick drifted to the left of the upright.

A good attack nearly produced a try, but Ripon cleared their lines.

But from a line out which was quickly taken, hooker Jack Smart threw a short ball to Nick Faulkner who dived over in the corner for a try which was well converted by Canning.

A speculative kick was misfielded by Canning and flanker Taylor tapped the ball over the visitors line for a well taken try which was not converted.

The visitors pack were still dominating possession and a trademark run by James Clarke enabled Matthew Hunt-Brown to make a break, but winger Anthony Shoesmith was tackled into touch.

Two further visits by Ripon into the Rishworthians half ended in penalties to the home side and Tombling converted both, for a 7-11 half time lead for the home side.

Old Rishworthians were still in touch and the elusive away victory was on the cards.

The second half followed a similar pattern with the visitors not in any trouble, but a penalty by Tombling for offside increased the score to 7-14.

Canning converted a penalty for the visitors to make it 10-14 there was always the chance that the Copley men would be able to win.

A penalty on the Ripon 22 was not attempted and a further penalty towards the end of the game was kicked for the corner and the line out lost.